Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GAY BARCELONA
Barcelona has a few excellent gay-friendly options, one in the heart of the old city
and fairly simple, another a full design explosion in the heart of the 'Gaixample'.
There are a number of gay apartment-rental websites, with a fairly high turnover
(since these often enter a slightly grey area, legally).
€129; ; Universitat)
Favoured by a mixed fashion and gay set, Axel occupies
a sleek corner block and offers modern touches in its 105 designer rooms. A subtle,
light colour scheme, plasma TVs and (in the double rooms) king-sized beds are just
some of the pluses. The hotel was completely overhauled in 2010. Take a break in the
rooftop pool, the Finnish sauna or the spa bath. The rooftop Skybar is open for cock-
tails from May to September.
tanella 7; d €125-170; ; Urquinaona, Catalunya)
Just a short stroll from Plaça de
Catalunya, Room Mate Pau sits somewhere between upscale hostel and boutique
hotel. The rooms are small and minimalist, but cleverly designed (with good mat-
tresses and USB-connected flatscreen TVs). The enticing interior terrace with bar
draws a young and hip crowd.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 420; s & d from €40, without bathroom from €35; ; Rocafort)
Set in
a rambling apartment, a stone's throw from the Gaixample bars, this is an intriguing,
gay-friendly stop. The rooms are largely decorated in flamboyant art deco style and
guests may use the kitchen. There is a two-night-minimum policy.
Montjuïc, Poble Sec Sant Antoni
A good area for the cash-strapped, there are several options strung out along and near the El
Poble Sec side of Avinguda del Paral·lel, as well as near the train station in Sants.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
HOTEL MARKET
93 325 12 05;
www.forkandpillow.com
; Passatge de Sant Antoni Abad 10;
s/d from €72/76;
;
Sant Antoni)
